A Drive-thru Safari Is Opening in New Jersey for a Socially Distanced Adventure

Roll up the windows.

Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey announced that it will soon reopen its animal safari as a drive-thru.

As New Jersey begins to reopen after its coronavirus lockdown, Governor Phil Murphy said that drive-thru experiences that allow for proper social distancing will be permitted. In a press release, Six Flags stated that it would tailor its safari to fit these rules and welcome back visitors.

The Six Flags Safari Off Road Adventure operated as a self-drive-thru experience from 1974 through 2012. In 2013, it became a guided adventure, with visitors packing into trucks for tours.

When the park reopens, visitors will be able to drive their own vehicles through the 350-acre preserve and see more than 1,200 wild animals from around the world, including elephants, rhinos, tigers, giraffes, and lions.

All tickets must be purchased in advance online to prevent overcrowding. The online reservation system is not currently open, and an opening date for the drive-thru safari has not yet been announced.

The park is still developing safety rules to protect employees, guests, and the animals inside the safari.

The rest of the theme and water parks will remain closed until further notice.

“Following local and regional COVID-19 health directives, we will open as soon as it is safe to do so,” the Six Flags website stated. “While there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 at the properties, the safety of our guests, team members, and animals is always our highest priority. We will continue to closely monitor this evolving situation, and follow the most current guidance from federal, state, and local officials.”

The Six Flags location isn’t the only theme park to start a phased reopening. Disney Springs at Walt Disney World will reopen on May 20, as rules in Florida begin to ease.